Draft System Maintenance and Repair Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Draft System Maintenance and Repair

Whether you're running a high-volume bar or a neighborhood taproom, a reliable draft system is key to keeping customers happy and profits flowing. Without regular maintenance and proper care, even the best draft systems will start to break down—causing off-flavors, foamy pours, or costly equipment failures.

This guide walks you through the essentials of maintaining and repairing your system so your beer tastes great every time.

Why Regular Draft System Maintenance Matters

Keeping your system clean and functional is not just about beer quality—it directly affects your bottom line. Regular beer line cleaning helps prevent buildup of yeast, mold, and beer stone that can spoil flavor and harm equipment.

According to the Brewers Association’s Draught Beer Quality Manual, lines should be cleaned at least every two weeks to maintain optimal performance.

Signs Your Draft System Needs Repair

Early detection can save you from lost sales and frustrated customers. Common signs your draft system may need repair include:

• Excessive foam despite proper temperature
• Inconsistent or slow beer flow
• Off-tasting or flat beer
• Leaks around faucets, couplers, or lines
• Sudden increases in gas usage or pressure fluctuations

If you're experiencing these issues, it might be time for a professional system evaluation.

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Establishing a regular maintenance routine can help you catch small issues before they become major repairs. Here’s a basic checklist for your bar or restaurant:

• Clean beer lines every two weeks using approved methods
• Check and calibrate CO2 and nitrogen pressures
• Inspect faucets, couplers, and seals for wear and tear
• Confirm walk-in cooler temps are consistently 36–38°F
• Ensure your glycol draft system is properly cooling long-draw lines

Preventative maintenance also helps reduce waste from overpouring or foam loss and ensures your beer tastes as fresh as possible.

Troubleshooting Common Draft System Issues

Troubleshooting minor issues can keep your bar running smoothly and save you from bigger repairs down the line. Here are a few common problems, their likely causes, and what to check:

• Foamy Beer
  Likely cause: Dirty lines, high CO2 pressure, or warm cooler temps
  What to check: Clean lines, adjust pressure, and ensure cooler is 36–38°F
• Flat Beer
  Likely cause: Low carbonation or gas leaks
  What to check: Inspect CO2 tanks, lines, and connections
• Off-Flavors
  Likely cause: Contaminated lines or aging beer
  What to check: Stick to a cleaning schedule and rotate kegs regularly
• Slow or Inconsistent Pour
  Likely cause: Clogged faucet or kinked beer line
  What to check: Inspect and clean hardware; replace worn components if needed

If problems persist, it’s best to bring in a professional to avoid downtime or lost product.

Is It Time to Upgrade?

Frequent repairs may be a sign that your current setup isn’t the right fit for your space or volume. If you’re opening a new bar or expanding your draft program, take a look at our custom draft system solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient setup.

Our team can recommend the best draft system configuration based on your bar’s layout, tap count, and service needs.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your draft system clean and functional doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require consistency. By following proper maintenance routines and addressing repairs early, you’ll extend the life of your equipment and keep every pour on point.

Need help diagnosing an issue or want to schedule preventative maintenance? Reach out to the CBG Draft Services team to get started.